Some Questions for Canadians

[surfbolinas2008]

I am an American (well, Californian, there's a big difference)
Anyways, I'm not too pleased with how my country is being run, and how my money is being spent, the list goes on. Long story short; I'm not happy.
I have always kept leaving the country in the back of my mind. I have always wanted to at LEAST visit Canada; they seem to have it all figured out: free health care for citizens, legal marijuana, etc. etc.!

With America's election nearing, I am almost ready to make a vow to leave the country if John McCain wins. Not as a way of "punishing" anyone, so to say, but if he wins, I am quite sure my current disdain with how things are run, will become a strong hate. I'd like to live somewhere where I'm proud to be a citizen!

With this in mind, I wanted to get a better feel of Canada. I was hoping maybe some of you could respond to this post with a little more information about the overall scheme of things up there! Like, the job market. I'm a young guy working in the trades. Would it be feasible for me to relocate and make it on a tradesman's salary up there? In America you can make a decent living if you are an honest and hard working craftsman. What about in Canada?

Also, what are the names of some Canadian "suburbs"? I've never been a big city guy, I don't think I would like living in a place like Amsterdam. Can anyone recommend some smaller towns to visit?

Lastly, how are Americans recieved up there? I'm not going to try to hide it; I was born and raised an American. I can't change that. But am I going to be spit at in the street? If I go to a bar, how many guys are going to want to rough me up for relocating?

Anything else you true Canadians might want to add would be awesome. I want to collect as much information from real Canadians as I can before I even consider making such a big change in my life!

Thanks for reading and have a good day.

 

[Biggravy22]

Im am american living in canada. First off Marijuana is NOT legal. There are places where it is widely accepted like Toronto or Vancouver, but for the most part it's best to keep your activities to yourself. I've had experiences where cops simply don't care, because they actually have better things to do. Americans are received well, as long as you're not walking around like you're better than them because you're American. Just be normal. I've gotten along with most Canadians I've met. If you're a laid back dude no one will care. I live in a smaller town. About 200,000 people. My wife is from the Toronto Area (Brampton) which is almost 500,000 people and I absolutely love it. Im orginally from a town in Michigan of 70,000 people. The atmosphere is just different
up there. It's much more relaxed. I personally love it in canada...don't wanna ever move back to the states. As far as being a skilled worker that's a bonus. You can apply for temporary or permanent residency...or a skilled workers visa. I think you'll love it. Toronto/Vancouver have strong marijuana cultures so I think you'd fit in. There are lots of smaller towns surrounding them. So you should be able to find somehwere lowkey to live and be close enough to enjoy a great nightlife.

 

[sarah22]

i love living here...and if you have a trade skill that will help out big time. mary jane isnt legal here by any means...and its REALLY hard to get a med license in canada...but it doesnt really matter...like big gravy said...just keep it to urself. most people dont give a damn...but u really dont wanna take the chance. the health care is pretty good here...a lot of americans think our health system is so messed up because they've heard stories of people waiting super long times for surgeries and stuff...but i've never encountered any issues...and i dont know anyone who has had issues. as for how people will react to you...well...as long as you're nice to people and friendly you will be fine! i find that people here are more accepting than in the states...theres a couple places in ontario that u might wanna check out...london...where i live is a decent sized city...but its not HUGE the way toronto is...theres 350 000 people (approx)...we have a college and a university here...if you want even smaller theres places like st thomas which is about a half hour away...its more country...i dunno...i love it here i wouldnt wanna move anywhere else...

 

[KiloBit]

I've said it a million times and I'll say a million more, I fucking love Canada. My problem is I need to retire before moving. At least 10 more years.

 

[RollaFatty]

Hey man
yea Canada is a sweet place to live..you should check out Alberta for some skilled trade Jobs lots available.
Sweet skiing/snowboarding if your down for that kind of stuff.

If u are ever out there check out Banff they have Best weed in the world,its the frist stop that is made on the BC weed Train and the cops are very very chill about it.
peace

 

[BongJuice]

It's to damn cold in Canada.

 

[stonedskier98]

hey have you ever smoked in the cold??? its the best feeling ever!!! its so fuciking awesome and then skiing while stoned is super fun jsut smokin in the chair lift on the way up. but the cold is so awesome i miss colorado

 

[BongJuice]

hey have you ever smoked in the cold??? its the best feeling ever!!!

I've been smoking weed way before you were just a speck in your daddy's eye. So....yes, I have smoked in the cold and on the slopes. I snowboarded for 10 years and I was stoned everytime I went.

But Canada sucks because it's to damn cold.....Have ever heard of an Alberta Clipper?

 

[Willie North]

well a suburb in Ontario would some what be a small negiborhood
where every one knows every one, its away from the busy roads the downtown and such,